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Iraq A Tough Gig For Helos

A US Army helicopter made a hard
landing near Fallujah, Iraq, Tuesday, according to US Central
Command. The helicopter's pilot and co-pilot were able to walk away
from their OH-58D Kiowa observation aircraft after making an
emergency landing south of Fallujah, CENTCOM spokesman Marine Maj.
Pete Mitchell said.

Mitchell initially reported that the Kiowa might have been
forced to land "due to hostile fire." A subsequent CENTCOM news
release confirmed that the aircraft had come under enemy fire.

The downed helicopter belongs to the 1st Battalion, 82nd
Aviation Brigade (Attack), according to the CENTCOM release. It was
conducting a reconnaissance/security mission for the 82nd Airborne
Division when it was forced down.

The 82nd quickly dispatched a quick reaction force to secure the
Kiowa's crew, according to CENTCOM.